Question about Ipad /ipod touch

I'm an event coordinator for a fairly small but very busy venue. I generally use outlook calendar to keep everything organized. But its not always possible to have my laptop with me, and my cell phone is always ringing for information. Can anyone tell me if the calendar program that MAC uses is comparable to the one outlook uses? I'm liking the thought of being able to work (eg answer questions, book dates, ect) even if I'm not home.

And I guess the all important questions, how easy are they to use? what would be be a better buy.. I mean the ipad is super frigging cool looking, and I have yet to see one in real life.. I'm just wondering what people think of these things.